Stargazing at TOP |
Here at Top of the Pines we are lucky to be quite far removed from any urban light pollution which means it is a great location for enjoying the night sky.
No camping trip at TOP is complete without some stargazing! Before you snuggle into your tent or camper for the night, be sure to head out into the meadow to lose yourself in the silver shimmer of the Milky Way. There is something awe-inspiring about the way the Mt. Sneffels rises up on the horizon toward the infinite depths of the universe, reminding us that we are all made of the same starstuff. You can help others experience the wonders of an inky-black, star-spangled night sky by reducing your own light pollution while you visit TOP. Best Dark Skies Practices for Campers
TOP Campground Dark Sky Efforts At Top of the Pines, we are committed to preserving the dark sky in every possible way. The future night sky in this area is protected by outdoor lighting ordinances passed by the Town of Ridgway and Ouray County requiring lights to be fully shielded, preventing light trespass. Here are some of the initiatives we are currently working on.
Sidebar: Why Dark Skies Matter Unintentional light pollution can have negative affects on wildlife behavior, including disruption of sleep cycles, feeding habits and reproductive patterns. Whether light is shielded, or of a longer wavelength, it can still be a fatal attraction for insects. Animal species that rely on insects for food are negatively impacted when all the bugs in the area are drawn to your campsite for the evening. Not only that, light pollution is disturbing to fellow campers who are trying to sleep or stargaze. |